Heavitree and Whipton Low Traffic Neighbourhood

You have provided the following information on a previous freedoms of information request:

16 people participated in the discussions (5 emergency service representatives, 5 Devon County Council Public Health professionals, 6 clinicians from other organisations). Many were supportive of the proposals, in view of their potential to improve public health and reduce road traffic collisions. However, the SWAS representative raised a concern about the impact of a particular modal filter on ambulance routes. Additionally, a public health clinician raised a concern about the potential impact of the scheme on those visiting clients’ homes, due to the potentially increased journey distances. Both issues will be explored further.

Can you please advise:

What further ‘exploration’ was carried out

Further exploration of the impacts of the scheme is being conducted during the Active Streets trial, through the statutory consultation process and further stakeholder liaison.

What if any changes were made as a result

 The modal filter which could have particularly impacted ambulance routes was removed from the trial scheme. At the centre of the modal filters, planters have been replaced with bollards to enable easier removal of obstructions in the event of an emergency.

Where the 16 participants/organisations contacted again with an update

 Yes

Where the participants/organisations able to provide feedback on any changes/final plan. If so in what format

 Yes, participants/organisations can provide feedback through the statutory consultation, through the online form (available at Exeter Streets), the paper form, letter or email.

 

Where there any further meetings with the participants/organisations

 Yes

What ongoing information/correspondence did they receive and when

 A timeline of further correspondence from the Active Streets team is given below:

8 June 2023 – Emergency services contacted regarding Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to deliver works

30 June 2023 – Emergency services notified that trial scheme approved by HATOC

18 July 2023 – Meeting with Devon and Cornwall Police re. unlocking of bollards, public exhibitions and potential obstruction of works

20 July 2023 – Police contacted regarding provision of keys for unlockable bollards

27 July 2023 – Police contacted regarding increasing security for bicycles

7 August 2023 – Police contacted regarding social media activity relating to scheme

7 August 2023 – Ambulance service contacted regarding footage of ambulance turning around at Vaughan Road modal filter

8 August 2023 – Fire service contacted regarding footage of fire crews removing bollards

9 August 2023 – Police contacted regarding damage to modal filters

9 August 2023 – Emergency services contacted regarding modal filter design

9 August 2023 – Police and fire service contacted regarding alleged threats to commit arson

14 August 2023 – Ambulance service contacted regarding modal filter design

15 August 2023 – Public health professionals contacted regarding trial scheme